How to Plan a Trip to Oktoberfest: A First-Timer’s Guide

If you’ve found this post, chances are you’re planning your very first Oktoberfest trip — and wondering where to start.

We’ve been to Oktoberfest twice, and even as Germans, it was a wild experience! Dressing up in a Dirndl (or Lederhosen for the guys) and experiencing the beer tents, live music, and insane energy of the festival was unforgettable.

If you’re visiting Oktoberfest for the first time, this guide will help you plan an epic trip and avoid common mistakes!

How to Plan a Trip to Oktoberfest: 13 Essential Tips for First-Timers

1. When Is Oktoberfest 2025?

📅 Mark your calendars!

Oktoberfest 2025 runs from September 20th to October 4th, which—let’s be honest—is a much better time than actual October. Late September in Bavaria usually means more reliable weather; by mid-October, it’s often cold and rainy.

So yeah, if you were expecting a festival in the middle of October, you’re not alone. But trust us, September is where it’s at.

2. Must-Pack Items for Oktoberfest

Packing for Oktoberfest isn’t like packing for a normal trip. You need to be prepared for long days, big crowds, and lots of beer.

Here’s what should definitely be in your bag:

🚀 See the Full List Here: Ultimate Oktoberfest Packing List

3. Bring Cash! Many Tents & Stalls Don’t Accept Cards

One of the biggest rookie mistakes at Oktoberfest? Thinking you can pay with a card everywhere.

Most beer tents only accept cash, and while some stalls take cards, it’s rare. ATMs are available at the festival, but:

💡 Best Move: Withdraw plenty of cash before you arrive—preferably from an ATM in the city, where fees are lower.

4. The Best Days to Visit Oktoberfest

This is where things get tricky. A lot of first-time visitors don’t realize that not all Oktoberfest days are equal. Some are perfect for a chill, beer-drinking day with friends, while others are an absolute madhouse where just getting into a tent is a victory.

We’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum, and here’s what you should know:

Opening Weekend (September 20–22) → Special, but Packed

Opening weekend is legendary, but if you don’t like crowds, skip it. Even we got a little claustrophobic trying to push through the masses.

Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) → The Smart Choice

The first time we went, we accidentally planned for a Thursday instead of a Friday. And wow, best mistake ever. We got into a tent with zero stress, and found seats right away.

Fridays & Saturdays → The Wild Party Days

We made the mistake of arriving at 4 PM on a Saturday once. Bad idea. Every single tent had security guards at the entrance telling us, “Sorry, we’re full.” If you go on a weekend, you have to get there in the morning and stay put.

5. How Long Should You Stay?

We recommend staying 3 days:

Do not make the mistake of planning to stay 5 days solely for Oktoberfest – that’s simply too much.

🚀 But you can stay longer in Munich and enjoy other exciting things to do during Oktoberfest. Check out Things to do in Munich after Oktoberfest (coming soon)

6. How to Get to Munich for Oktoberfest

Munich is super easy to reach, whether you’re flying in from another country, hopping on a train from a nearby city, or (for some reason) deciding to drive. But before you start planning your arrival, let’s be clear on one thing—don’t drive to Oktoberfest. Seriously. We’ll explain why in a second.

Now, let’s go through your best options for getting to Munich without losing your mind.

Flying to Munich

If you’re coming from abroad, flying is obviously the fastest and easiest way to get here. Munich’s Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC) is one of the best in Europe, with plenty of flight options from all over the world.

How to get to Oktoberfest from Munich International Airport (MUC)

Munich Airport is about 40 km (25 miles) from the city center, but luckily, getting into town is quick and easy:

🚆 S-Bahn (Best Option): Take the S1 or S8 train from the airport to Munich Hauptbahnhof (Main Station). It runs every 10 minutes, and the ride takes about 40 minutes.

🚖 Taxi: If you’re feeling fancy (or just have a lot of luggage), a taxi will take about 30-40 minutes, but expect to pay around €70–€80.

🎫 Pro Tip: If you’re staying in Munich for a few days, look into the Munich Welcome Card for unlimited public transport.

🚀 Here is our detailed guide how to get from the Munich airport to Oktoberfest (Theresienwiese)

Alternative Airports (If Flights to Munich Are Too Expensive)

If flights to MUC are crazy expensive, you might find cheaper options flying into:

Would we recommend these? Only if you’re getting a really good deal. Otherwise, flying directly to Munich is way easier.

Arriving by Train

Trains in Germany are fantastic (most of the time), and if you’re coming from another European city, taking the train is a great option.

Munich Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)

We’ve done the Frankfurt-to-Munich train ride before, and it’s super smooth—just grab a beer from the snack cart, enjoy the countryside views, and boom, you’re in Munich before you know it.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re traveling from another German city, book your ticket as early as possible on the Deutsche Bahn (DB) website. Prices can double or triple if you wait too long. And remember, German trains often experience delays—so be prepared for delays!

Driving to Oktoberfest? Bad Idea.

Let’s get one thing straight: Driving to Oktoberfest by car is a nightmare.

Look, we love a good road trip, but Oktoberfest and cars don’t mix well. Here’s why:

1️⃣ No Parking Near Oktoberfest – You won’t find a spot anywhere close to the festival. The entire Theresienwiese area is blocked off, and parking in Munich is stupidly expensive.

2️⃣ Traffic is Insane – Imagine millions of people heading to the same place at the same time. If you drive into Munich during Oktoberfest, expect traffic jams, road closures, and a lot of frustration.

3️⃣ You Can’t Drink and Drive – And let’s be real: If you’re going to Oktoberfest, you’re going to drink. Germany has strict DUI laws (the legal limit is 0.05% BAC, even lower for new drivers), and the police WILL be out in full force. It’s just not worth it.

The Better Option: Park & Ride

If you’re really set on driving, leave your car outside the city and use public transport to get into Munich. The Park & Ride (P+R) lots are your best bet. You can park your car at one of these suburban train stations and then hop on the U-Bahn or S-Bahn to the festival.

Good Park & Ride stations:

7. Getting Around Munich During Oktoberfest

Munich has a very good public transport system, and trust us—you’re going to want to use it. During Oktoberfest, the entire city turns into a beer-fueled frenzy, and driving (or even walking long distances) just isn’t practical.

We’ve navigated Munich’s transport system both sober and slightly tipsy, and the good news is: it’s easy.

But there are a few things you should know to avoid getting lost, overpaying, or accidentally breaking a rule (and yes, ticket inspectors are ruthless).

Best Ways to Get to Oktoberfest (Theresienwiese)

You have several options to reach the festival grounds, but if we’re being honest, the U-Bahn (subway) is the way to go.

Here’s the breakdown:

U-Bahn (Subway) → The Best Choice

The U-Bahn is the fastest and easiest way to get to Oktoberfest. The station you’re looking for is:

📍 Theresienwiese (U4 or U5 Line)

This stop drops you right at the festival entrance, and from there, you’ll be surrounded by beer tents, carnival rides, and thousands of people in Lederhosen and Dirndl.

💡 Pro Tip: The trains get packed, especially after 4 PM. If you don’t want to be squeezed in like a sardine, get on one stop before Hauptbahnhof (e.g., Sendlinger Tor).

Trams & Buses → Good for Exploring Munich

If you’re sightseeing before or after Oktoberfest, trams and buses are great for getting around Munich. However, for getting to Theresienwiese, they’re not as convenient as the U-Bahn.

💡 Best Use: If you’re visiting other parts of the city, like Nymphenburg Palace or Schwabing, trams are a great way to see Munich above ground while still avoiding traffic.

Taxis & Uber → Expensive, But Available

If you’re too tired (or too drunk) to deal with public transport, taxis and Uber do exist in Munich—but they’re not cheap.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re staying in the city center (Marienplatz, Hauptbahnhof, or Schwabing), you probably don’t need a taxi. Public transport will get you everywhere faster.

8. Where to Stay for Oktoberfest

If you take one piece of advice from this guide, let it be this:

BOOK YOUR OKTOBERFEST HOTEL EARLY. Like, seriously early.

Munich’s hotels sell out fast, and if you wait too long, your only options will be absurdly expensive or really inconvenient.

We got lucky the first time we went because we crashed on a friend’s couch. But the second time? Let’s just say we learned the hard way that last-minute bookings in Munich during Oktoberfest can seriously drain your wallet.

So, where should you stay? Let’s break it down.

Best Areas to Stay in Munich for Oktoberfest

Your choice of location depends on your budget, vibe, and tolerance for walking/public transport. Some areas are right next to the beer tents, while others require a little extra travel.

1. Closest Area: Near Theresienwiese (The Festival Grounds) → Best for Convenience

🚶‍♂️ Walking Distance to Oktoberfest
💰 €€€
🔥 For those who want to be in the heart of the action

If you want to wake up, throw on your Dirndl or Lederhosen, and be at Oktoberfest within minutes, the area near Theresienwiese is the place to stay. But be warned: hotels here are expensive and book out a year in advance.

💡 Best for: Hardcore festival-goers who don’t mind dropping serious cash.

Top Hotels Near Oktoberfest:

2. Central Area: City Center (Marienplatz & Altstadt)

🚇 10-minute U-Bahn ride to Oktoberfest
💰 €€€
🍻 Perfect for sightseeing & nightlife after Oktoberfest

Staying in the historic city center is great because you’re close to Munich’s best attractions. You can start your day with sightseeing (Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, etc.), head to Oktoberfest in the afternoon, and then return to a beautiful area full of bars, restaurants, and shops.

💡 Best for: People who want to experience more than just beer tents.

Top Hotels in City Center:

3. Trendy Area: Schwabing & Maxvorstadt → Slightly Cheaper

🚇 15-minute U-Bahn to Oktoberfest
💰 €€
🎨 Cool neighborhood with a young, artsy vibe

Schwabing and Maxvorstadt are our personal favorite areas to stay in. They have amazing cafés, beer gardens, and nightlife, and they’re still close enough to Oktoberfest to make it convenient. Plus, you’ll find cheaper hotels and Airbnbs compared to the city center.

💡 Best for: People who want a local experience with good bars, and cheaper hotels.

Top Hotels in Schwabing/Maxvorstadt:

4. Outside the City (Erding, Pullach, Airport) → Budget-Friendly

🚆 30–45 minutes by train to Oktoberfest
💰 €€
✈️ Good for late-night flights & early departures

If you’re on a tight budget or booking last minute, staying outside Munich might be your best bet. It’s not as fun as being in the city, but if it saves you hundreds of euros, it’s worth considering.

💡 Best for: Budget travelers, last-minute planners, and people flying in/out quickly.

Top Hotels Outside Munich:

9. When to Book Your Hotel for Oktoberfest?

If you’re reading this before March, congratulations! You still have time to grab a decent hotel at a semi-reasonable price. If it’s already August or September, well… you’re gonna have to get creative.

Ideal Booking Timeline: 6–12 Months in Advance

If you’re planning for Oktoberfest, you can actually book as soon as the previous festival ends—some hotels even allow reservations up to a year in advance.

Last-Minute Booking Strategies (If You’re Late to the Game)

Okay, so maybe you didn’t book early. Don’t panic—you still have options.

1. Check Hostels & Budget Hotels

Hostels in Munich sell out fast, but some still have dorm beds available even a few weeks before Oktoberfest. You won’t get much sleep, but hey, you’re here for the event, not luxury.

Best Budget Hostels for Oktoberfest:

2. Try Airbnb (But Be Ready to Pay 💸)

Airbnb is an option, but prices skyrocket during Oktoberfest. If you’re traveling with a group, you can split the cost of an apartment, which might be cheaper than a hotel.

💡 Pro Tip: Check for Airbnbs in Giesing or Laim—both are cheaper neighborhoods with good U-Bahn connections to the festival.

3. Couchsurfing (If You’re Adventurous & Lucky)

If you’re feeling bold (and social), you can try Couchsurfing. Some locals offer their couches or spare rooms to Oktoberfest travelers, but you need to send requests weeks in advance.

10. Do You Need Travel Insurance for Oktoberfest?

Short answer? Yes. 100%. No question about it.

Long answer? Oktoberfest is an incredible experience, but it’s also chaotic, crowded, and full of situations where things can go wrong. Whether you lose your passport after one too many beers, face a delayed flight, or realize too late that a 1-liter Maß hits harder than expected—good travel insurance can save the day.

We’ve been to Oktoberfest and know how unpredictable it can get. We’ve seen phones dropped in beer mugs, wallets go missing, and more than a few people land in the medical tent.

The bottom line: things happen — having insurance means you can enjoy the festival without the stress.

Where to Get a Quick Travel Insurance Quote?

There are plenty of travel insurance providers out there, but we know that World Nomads* is especially popular among travelers.

👉 Check prices & coverage with World Nomads before your trip*

11. Do You Need Beer Tent Reservations?

Short answer? No, but also yes… kind of.

Let us explain. Oktoberfest is free to enter, and you don’t technically need a reservation to get into a beer tent. But if you’re hoping to waltz into a tent at 6 PM on a Saturday and find a free table, well… good luck with that.

We’ve done Oktoberfest both with and without reservations, and both ways can work—if you know the right tricks.

Here’s what you need to know about getting a spot in a beer tent.

How Beer Tent Reservations Work

First things first: you can’t just reserve a single seat at Oktoberfest. Reservations are for entire tables (usually 8–10 people). That means unless you’re coming with a big group, reservations can be hard to get or just not worth it.

If you’re visiting on a weekend or in the evening with a group of at least 4 to 6 people, it’s best to email the reservation office of your preferred beer tent as early as possible. There’s no central reservation system — each tent handles its own bookings, so you’ll need to check each tent’s website individually to find their reservation process.

💡 Good to know: A table reservation at Oktoberfest is usually free of charge. However, most beer tents require a minimum consumption per person (Beer & Food).

How to Get a Table Without a Reservation

If you’re traveling alone or with a small group, don’t stress! You can still get into a beer tent without a reservation—you just need to be smart about it.

1. Arrive Early (Timing is Everything!)

The earlier you get there, the better your chances of finding a seat. Here’s the golden rule:

We’ve made the mistake of showing up too late on a Saturday, only to find every tent was full and security was turning people away. Not fun.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for a walk-in table, go on a weekday afternoon—you’ll have way better luck.

2. Sit at Communal Tables

Oktoberfest is all about sharing tables and having fun together. If you see a partially filled table, politely ask:

🗣️ “Ist hier noch frei?” (Is this seat free?)

Some tables are reserved only after a certain time (like 5 PM). If you find an unreserved table in the afternoon, you can stay as long as you like—but once the reservation holders arrive, you’ll have to move.

🚀 Want to know more about Oktoberfest etiquette?
Check out: What To Do & What Not To Do At Oktoberfest

12. Budget Breakdown: How Much Does Oktoberfest Cost?

Let’s be real—Oktoberfest isn’t cheap. Between flights, accommodation, beer, and food, costs add up fast.

Here’s what you’ll spend per day at Oktoberfest 2025:

💡 Money-Saving Tip: Want to keep your costs down? Grab food outside the festival grounds — supermarkets and bakeries offer much cheaper (and often tasty) options than inside the tents.

13. Common Oktoberfest Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Drinking Too Fast → Pace Yourself!

It’s easy to underestimate how strong Oktoberfest beer is (6–7% alcohol per liter). If you drink too fast, you’ll be passed out by 2 PM and miss half the fun.

💡 Solution: Drink slowly, eat plenty of food, and alternate with water. If you start feeling too drunk, switch to Radler (beer mixed with lemonade).

Not Booking Early → Hotels Sell Out!

If you wait until August or September to book your Oktoberfest hotel, good luck finding anything under €500 per night.

💡 Solution: Book your hotel 6–12 months in advance. If you’re late, try Airbnb, hostels, or staying in a nearby town.

Ignoring Public Transport → Taxis Are Expensive!

Munich’s taxis and Ubers cost a fortune during Oktoberfest, and driving is a terrible idea (no parking + you can’t drink and drive).

💡 Solution: Use the U-Bahn (subway)—the U4/U5 lines go straight to Theresienwiese. Buy a Streifenkarte (multi-ride ticket) to save money.